NOTES for Pmn 1:1-20

The form Paul chose for his conversation with Philemon is very interesting. Consider this: Paul is an old man, as he himself says—that is, a respected person; an apostle—that is, a person holding a high position in the Church; and a person of great authority. Thus, from his position as the elder, it seems that he could give orders. But Paul does not want to command. First, he does not even suggest that he could make use of his authority: he says that he “has great boldness in Christ to command.” It is not by his own merit, but in Christ; and it is not a right, but boldness. More than that, he does not even want to use this boldness, preferring instead to appeal on the basis of love.